Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged Assault Outside Golf Club

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has entered a not guilty plea to a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent. The 43-year-old appeared via videolink for the plea hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, where he denied assaulting Kevin Lynch, 51, outside a golf club on March 8. Barton's co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, 50, did not enter a plea. The alleged attack occurred after the defendants had been drinking with Mr. Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr. Lynch suffered serious eye injuries in the incident. A trial date has been set for September 1, with the case expected to last seven days. Barton, a former England midfielder, was remanded in custody, while O'Grady was granted conditional bail. Barton currently hosts the podcast 'Common Sense With Joey Barton', which explores issues in sport, society, politics, and more.